We feature a column about environmental issues every week in the second week. This column is submitted by IGov, an intergovernmental organization that includes two representatives from each of the village, township, park district and township.
You have the opportunity to work with plants, lawns, and woodies sustainably during the gardening season. Even after we have put in the annuals or perennials that we purchased from local nurseries or from seed, we still need to garden smart.
A time-honored garden maxim is that the right plant in the right spot should be treated in the best way. A banana or coconut are not native to tropical climates so you wouldn’t plant them. Everybody has their favorite ornamentals and backyard veggies. When adding plants to your garden, it is a good idea to add plants, shrubs, or trees that are native in the Midwest.
Native plants house a variety of insects. Although we may be cautious about insects that crawl, fly or buzz, most birds feed their young with a rich diet. Gardeners are encouraged not to clean up after the fall, as many of them will overwinter in the leaf litter and stems. They will emerge when temperatures rise in spring.
There is no one way to garden the best, but there are some that are better than others. Take care of watering. Even though we are near rivers and one of the Great Lakes. Water is a limited resource and plants need to have a fair amount. Typically, about 1 inch per week if they are actively growing. More if it’s hot and windy. Because of the fungal growth that can be promoted by watering plants late in the day and soil that has been left damp overnight, it is best to water your garden forenoon.
Mulch helps to retain moisture in soil by reducing evaporation. Mulch can be applied within a few inches of the plant stems to keep weeds under control. It slowly breaks down into the nutrients that plants need. Shredded tree bark, which is not dyed, is one of the best mulches. Shrubs and trees will benefit from mulches of 2 to 4 inches in size, placed in a donut shape. This is not the best option because it can cause rot at the base.
Compost favors the well-prepared. Although it is true that fortune favors the fortunate, compost is second. A stable form of decomposed plant material called humus can be used as a soil amendment. It feeds the soil’s life, helps soil structures hold water and air, and buffers fertilizer imbalances and suppresses diseases. You can make your own compost by adding garden clippings, grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and other organic material to a container. The biological life of the soil is enhanced by adding compost to areas that are being grown in spring and mid-season. This feeds the plant roots and produces the flowers and fruits.
Our lawns are cut about 20 times per growing season. Smart lawn care is a smart choice. In the spring and fall are the best times to fertilize. Keep the grass cut to 3 inches. This keeps the roots cool and prevents weed seeds from growing. Do not pick up the grass clippings. Leave the clippings to break down and feed your grass. If you do decide to water your lawn, water it deeply and not often. Do it in the morning. Make sure water is only absorbed into the grass and not onto the driveways and walkways.
Sustainability is about using the resources wisely and ensuring that the next generation has at least as many resources.
Smart gardening practices are not enough. You can also learn more about plants, best practices, and new techniques to help you sustain yourself. Visit Oak Park’s 635 section, the University of Illinois Extension website, or talk to your neighbor gardeners. You can control the soil and the plants you grow. This will ensure that natural resources are available in the future.
